The Best Things to Do in Kyoto, Japan

The Kyoto is a city to remember cultural events, history and beautiful outlook. There are old temples and peaceful gardens, food markets and new art rooms, that is why the list of things to do in Kyoto, Japan are unlimited. Whether it is history, nature or local food, Kyoto has something to sell to every tourist and makes it one of the most popular cities to pay visits in Japan.

Getting to Kyoto

Kyoto is also a city which is easily accessible and conveniently between other major cities in Japan. The Shinkansen bullet train is the most popular mode of transport to them whether leaving Tokyo or Osaka since it is comfortable and fast. Due to the direct linkage of Kyoto to the Kansai International Airport using train, the two are interrelated. Easy access to Kyoto is possible by the first-time and regular visitors due to comprehensible signs, consistent services, and familiar transportation by using the public transport.

Where to stay in Kyoto

There is a vast amount of hotels in Kyoto of varying prices. The tourists can choose to be accommodated in the traditional ryokans, or modern hotels or low-end guesthouses. Gion, Kawaramachi and Kyoto Station are the most preferred places to visit based on the cultural beauty, shopping and transport respectively. At the right location, it will save time and enable the travelers to enjoy the most impressive things to do in Kyoto.

Best time to visit Kyoto

Kyoto is best observed during spring and fall when the water is pleasant and also the scenery beautiful. It has cherry blossoms on its spring and the maple leaves color on its fall. Such are the seasons which may be considered to be sightseeing and outdoor. Summer is hot and crowded whereas winter is quieter and is better spent in temples and quiet traveling.

Wander the streets of Gion

Wandering around Gion is one of the activities that one has to carry out in Kyoto. The historic locality is full of old wooden houses, teahouses and possible meeting of geisha. A walk in this part provides one with a glimpse of the old Kyoto. Go at night when the streets are illuminated with lanterns and you will be able to have a relaxing time at night as it is one of the most ideal attractions spots in Kyoto.

Eat your way around the city

Kyoto has a food heaven that does not have an ending option of foods. Kyoto is rich in good things to do and the food is varied between the traditional kaiseki foods to the street food booths. Sample tofu food, ramen, matcha dessert, and special food season. It is also advantageous whereby visiting the local restaurants and markets is involved since the traveler gets to experience the authentic flavours and on top of this, the cooking culture of the city is learnt.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most popular places that are to be visited in Kyoto. It is also constructed on a hill side with the city view spectacular particularly in cherry blossom and fall seasons. The step in the temple is constructed in a manner that does not include the nails that are made of wood and place of attraction to the visitors. It is among the most desirable sites to visit and see in Kyoto.

Get lost in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

One of the most memorable but easy walks in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo grove. The bamboo poles are extremely high and are enclosing the visitors in an effort to give them natural and peaceful atmosphere.

Spend half a day at the brand new teamLab Biovotex art installation

One of the latest experiences of digital art and a contemporary art development in Kyoto is teamLabs Biovortex. There are light installations, interactive areas, and installations to be viewed by tourists. It is a unique contrast to the conventional locations of Kyoto. This experience will be ideal in offering alternative events to perform in Kyoto to the family and couples as well as art lovers in place of temples and shrines.

Take part in a traditional tea ceremony

The most proper way of enjoying the culture of Kyoto is attending a traditional tea ceremony. The foreigners have an experience of knowing how to prepare tea, etiquette and the Japanese hospitality. Many rituals welcome new people with open arms and never leave one perplexed with a step. It is a highly serene and significant experience that provides one with a glimpse of the Kyoto culture and a prerequisite of visit to Kyoto among the tourists who bother to capture a glimpse of the real cultural experience.

Stroll through Fushimi Inari Taisha’s red torii gates

The Fushimi Inari Taisha is its most popular temple as it has thousands of red gates that form the hiking paths to the mountain. The sparseness of the stones and gravel provokes silent meditations and rest. The visitors are likely to sit and observe the garden in a bid to capture the serene nature of the design. It is a great place to rest and have a reflective experience and one of the best sites at Kyoto.

Eat your way through Nishiki Market

The Nishiki Market has been labeled as the kitchen of Kyoto and is the best to visit in the event of exploration of foodstuffs. It is encircled by stalls to sell fresh seafood, snacks, sweets and local specialty. Small portions will enable the tourists learn more about the Kyoto food culture as they sample it. The Nishiki Market is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kyoto, when an individual visits the market firstly, and when a food lover visits the place.

Marvel at the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

One of the places that have the most photographs in Kyoto is the Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion. The temple is covered with a gold leaf and hence shines well in the pond that covers the temple. Gardens that are well maintained are also taken through by the tourists. It is an epic location to venture in Kyoto since one can see beautiful panoramas throughout the year though best seen during clear days.

Immerse in an onsen experience

Onsen is also one of the Japanese experiences that could be used as relaxation after sightseeing in Kyoto. The traditional hot spring baths which are useful in the removal of stress and exhaustion are availed to tourists. The onsens are located in the ryokans and certain ones are the communal baths. The etiquette of onsen is also important to observe, however, many of them recommend first time visitors, and it is a pleasant activity in Kyoto.

Cycle along the Kamo River

A certain form of leisure activity in Kyoto is cycling through Kamo river. The low river courses are not complex and can be relocated without facing any challenges. There are numerous bike rentals in the city. The exercise will enable the travelers to sample the freshing air and take in the picturesque nature, and the lives and rest of the locals in the midst of the overly-saturated tourist attraction.

Have you been to Kyoto?

Have you ever visited Kyoto, or it is your first visit to Kyoto? Kyoto is an endless city, with old temples and with the new ones. Every trip is unique, whether it is the sightseeing of the most popular sites or back streets. Prices, attractions and best places to stay are also posted, which can help others plan a trip to Kyoto, Japan, and do the most critical things there.

Faqs

What are the must-do activities in Kyoto, Japan?

Attendance at temples, walks in Gion, Fushimi Inari, local food and local culture like tea ceremony are the things that a visitor cannot afford to miss in Kyoto.

What should I see in Kyoto for the first time?

The first time guests have to observe the Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera and the Nishiki Market to get an idea of the Kyoto culture, history and local delicacies.

What are the top things to do in Kyoto at night?

It can be visited along the river Kamo during the evenings, the local restaurants, traditional entertainment places, and all these can be explored during the nights when it is recommended to walk around Gion, visit the lit temples, or have dinner in the restaurants.

Where can I experience traditional Kyoto culture?

The old Kyoto culture in Gion, tea houses, temples, shrines and activities such as tea ceremony and kimono experiences will also be a pleasure to you.

What are the best food experiences in Kyoto?

The most remarkable items to consume include eating at Nishiki Market, eating kaiseki meal, trying matcha desserts in addition to eating local tofu and ramen.

What are the best outdoor things to do in Kyoto?

The outdoor activities to be undertaken will include; walking in bamboo groves, temple and hiking in Fushimi Inari, bicycle riding along Kamo River and seasonal sightseeing.

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

Fall is the best season to visit the city as well as spring since the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the leaves are a beautiful color.